''They just rummaged through desks, taking change, candy and whatever valuables they could find,'' Strickland said.

The burglars got in by prying open doors or windows at the schools. Two school office doors were pried open as well, and the glass from an interior office door was knocked out at one of the schools, Strickland said.

''They went through tearing out drawers and knocking stuff over,'' he said.

Authorities are fairly certain the burglaries are connected, Strickland said.

''With three in one night, we know something's up,'' he said.

Authorities don't think the burglaries were committed by students. Children from kindergarten through fifth grade attend the schools.

The break-ins were discovered by maintenance workers about 6 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities believe the burglaries occurred sometime between 9 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. Classes were not disrupted by the break-ins, Strickland said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the case.

''Anybody that has any information, that hears anybody bragging about this - we need to know about it,'' Strickland said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (706) 795-2647.